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  Winter driving: preparation and tips

Having good winter driving skills and strategies can literally save your life.

During the winter months, weather conditions can wreak havoc on the roads. Because of the season, road conditions can change without warning and each year hundreds of Ontarians get into car accidents because they weren’t using winter driving skills.

Before the first snowfall, put snow tires, or all weather tires, onto your vehicle. These will greatly help in achieving better traction in the snowy and icy conditions you will face in the months ahead.

Then, get a pre-winter car check up. Check tire pressure, make sure your windshield wipers are working and make sure your vehicle is stocked with extra windshield wiper fluid. You use more during the winter months and you don’t want to run out while on the road.

Have an emergency kit in your car. Being stranded in the winter can become deadly if you’re not prepared. Your kit should include waterproof matches, a flashlight, blankets, candles for warmth and simple first aid things like Band-Aids.

And regardless of the season, you should always have a charged cell phone, spare tire and booster cables with you in case of emergency. And, the most important thing if you get stuck on a highway or busy roadway is stay in your car and wait for emergency workers to arrive.

Driving in winter weather means you have to allow yourself extra time to get to and from your destination. Take your time and make sure you bring your patience along for the ride.

The most important thing is slow down! If you are approaching a red light, for example, slow down earlier than you normally would to ensure you don’t slide into the intersection. Same with turns, you have to take them slower or your vehicle may veer out into the next lane and cause an accident.

These are just a few helpful tips for winter driving. If you want to learn the best driving skills to help you navigate the roads all year around, contact Universal Driving Education. They have two locations in Burlington and Hamilton to serve you. Call them at 905-333-3899 or 905-574-8210 to learn more or visit their website at www.udsonline.ca